Han Solo — What Happens With Iconic ‘Star Wars’ Character In ‘The Force Awakens’
Han Solo (Harrison Ford) is one of the most iconic characters in the Star Wars saga, but what awaits the legendary smuggler when The Force Awakens lands in theaters in less than two months.
The most anticipated and promoted movie in recent memory is nearly here. Yes, after years of talking about it and more of hoping the George Lucas story would continue on the big screen, Star Wars: The Force Awakens is almost here.
On Monday, the final Force Awakens trailer took the fandom by storm, when it made its debut on ESPN’s Monday Night Football. Websites crashed and social media was abuzz with all things Star Wars, and one of the things fans of the original trilogy are more excited to see is Han Solo, who for the first time was seen with his love, Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher).
There is no question that what we have seen thus far from the official teasers is focused heavily on new characters Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Finn (John Boyega), who meet up with Han Solo and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew). Director J.J. Abrams has kept both newcomers’ last names under wraps — very successfully, we may add — so as to not reveal their heritage.
Most believe Rey is Han Solo and Princess Leia’s daughter, and the final Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer hinted at a close relationship between all these characters. Without knowing any plot details (thanks, J.J.), we can only speculate about why certain things are happening.
One of the highlights of the Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer was to see Han and Leia together. She looked upset, and he was comforting her because of what most speculate is a tragic event. At the same time, we saw Rey bawling her eyes out as she grieves.
[Warning: Some spoilers ahead]
Perhaps the most interesting theories is that, despite Abrams’ statements to the contrary, Star Wars: The Force Awakens does take some elements of the Expanded Universe. Those diehard fans who are familiar with all the events that take place after Return of the Jedi know Han Solo and Leia get married and have twins — a son named Jacen and a daughter named Jaina — as well as a son called Anakin.
After watching all the new details revealed in the final Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer, some are thinking not all elements of the Expanded Universe are out the window and the twins are part of this new trilogy. So if Rey is their daughter, who is the son?
Of course, the possibilities are about equal to the number of male characters Abrams uses this time around, but many are already speculating that it could be the villain, Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). There is some evidence that supports this theory, according to Radio Times, which would make things really, really interesting and would explain why we see Han Solo and Rey together a lot.
Abrams and Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy, as well as Disney, have gone out of their way to say this is a whole new ball game and fans can forget about the Expanded Universe. However, it is definitely likely that they have taken some aspects of the EU and used it to create this new storyline.
What we know is that Han Solo comes out of “retirement.” That much was obvious in the very first teaser, released the Friday after Thanksgiving last year. Remember when he said, “Chewie, we’re home?” That line hints that he is back and has found his beloved Millennium Falcon for some purpose. Is it to look for his son, who has descended into the depths of the Dark Side, like Anakin Skywalker did before him?
Kennedy stated The Force Awakens is all about the Skywalker family, and Rey is “extremely significant” in the trilogy. We know Daisy Ridley is signed on to star in the following three installments and, of course, she is part of the Skywalkers.
As for Han Solo, what happens to his character is still a mystery. Many are speculating that he dies, whereas others think it is actually Chewie’s death who Rey is crying over so desperately in the trailer. It is clear Han Solo is in some kind of trouble, as he is seen with his hands up.
What do you think happens to Han Solo in Star Wars: The Force Awakens?
[Image via Lucasfilm]
